Double Bass Which strings shall i go for?

[valloti]

Hi there, i have questions on your experiences with different kinds of strings.
I'm relatively new to the upright (a bit more than one year) and i've been playing with spiros (only) all the time, very old spiros. Now i HAVE to replace the strings, finally, but don't really know what to go for, and since strings are expensive i don't wanna make a bad mistake.
I play in a jazz (guitar) trio and quartet, mostly modern jazz (and sometimes loud. If you want to campare to something we could say Scofield typical stuff and maybe Medeski, Martin and Wood more funky and loud style) , so i might need a nice round sound, with some sustain a clarity, with the nice low end that a bass needs.
I might go again for the Spiros, since everybody recommend them, but i was reading a bit of the Helicore, and also the Superflexibles. Don't wanna go for the Jazzers cause too expensive.
What do you recomend?

Thanks a lot!

 

[Thumpie]

I'd stick with Spiros if they're working for you. Especially since I don't see the word "arco" in your post. They last a long time, and they sound exactly like what you need for your usage.

Maybe try a different gauge if you want to tweak a little (you can always sell a used set if you prefer a different size). Generally (but by no means universal on *every* bass), weiches are darker and mittels offer more power/volume. On my Kay, I noticed the weiches being better balanced, but that was just *that* particular bass.

 

[Thumpie]

Also, note that you'll need a few weeks (or months?) to break in a new set, which will sound horrible at first.

 

[tmntfan]

I'll second the recommendation for getting another set of spiros. They are great pizz strings all round and then you can play with adding different d and g strings to get the sound you want. Cause buying 1 sting is cheaper than buying a whole set.

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

If your Spiros are the Mittel set you might like EP weichs. They have a similar feel and sound to really old Mittels, at least on my bass. The fundamental is a bit stronger and I find the tone just a bit more centered. They are a little more organic but they are more similar than different. If you're using Spiro weichs I'd stick with them.

 

[valloti]

Thanks a lot guys! that's enough to just stick to the spiros, Thumpie, you're right, i don't use arco so spiros here we go again!

 

[marvin spangles]

Also, note that you'll need a few weeks (or months?) to break in a new set, which will sound horrible at first.

The new Weichs are playable straight out of the packet on my bass.

 

[Thumpie]

The new Weichs are playable straight out of the packet on my bass.

They sound like a banjo on mine.

 

[DoubleMIDI]

The Spiro Weich change totally after the first day and nedd one to two weeks until they settle their sound. At least the S42W 4/4.
The 3/4 Spiro Weich need much longer and also a lot of bowing. They get better after the first year if you don't play them a lot, otherwise faster.

The problem is that almost nobody tell the whole thing about theor Spiros. The 4/4 and 3/4 sets are very different, so some disputes might have been unneeded if they would have explained better which set they are talking about: 3/4 or 4/4, Weich, Mittel or Stark (or downtuned Solo). Also the vibrating length of the string on their bass is important. Otherwise you won't get much help that way.

 

[dbassnut]

Hi guys,
I'm planning on replacing my D'addario Helicore Hybrids (medium gauge) with the Spirocore 4/4 S42 mittels. My double bass is a 3/4 size & I play both arco & pizz. From what I've heard, Spiros are louder but a more difficult to bow and last a heck longer.
I'd appreciate any advice you guys can give.
Thanks

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Hi guys,
I'm planning on replacing my D'addario Helicore Hybrids (medium gauge) with the Spirocore 4/4 S42 mittels. My double bass is a 3/4 size & I play both arco & pizz. From what I've heard, Spiros are louder but a more difficult to bow and last a heck longer.
I'd appreciate any advice you guys can give.
Thanks

That's about it. The tension is just a bit higher but barely.

 

[bassist1962]

Since you play arco, weichs would be best (most bowable)

 

[DoubleMIDI]

If you don't want a long time until you like the bowing, the S42W 4/4 Weich set is better for bowing and still nice for pizz. The E is a little bit weak, but I felt the Mittel E would be a bit too much in tension and power compared to the other strings of the Weich set and is less bow friendly.